Formation of cholesterol gall stones in vitro by eddy current

Abstract

This paper presents a report on the formation of cholesterol gall stones in vitro. The first batch of artificial stones was produced in July, 1983. In a series of 60 experiments, 48 were successful with a rate of success of 80%. The shape, constituents and microscopic structure of these stones were found to be similar to those of the stones found in patients.

Mucoprotein beads were found in the model bile throughout the experiments, and network structures were formed as a result of the aggregation of these mucoprotein beads. The experiments demonstrated clearly the formation of the stones. The change in the bile constituents brings along the materials needed, but these are not the only cause for the formal ion of stones. What actually causes these materials to form stones is the action produced by intermittent jets of bile bursting into the gall bladder. Eddy currents are formed by these jets, and the negative pressure at the center of these currents causes the stone-forming materials to move centripetally, thereby accumulating and forming gall stones.

Keywords

fluid dynamics / eddy current / mucoprotein beads / network structure

References

[1] WomachNA, et al.. The anatomy of gallstones. Ann Surg, 1963, 157(5): 670-86